Any way to update the SD card through the USB port on the printer? (MK3)
As the title says, it seems there should be a way to write to the SD card through the printer's CPU when a USB cable is plugged into my pc. Having to remove the card and mess with adapters is painful. I'm aware of the Flashair cards, is that really the only way to do this??
Thanks!
RE: Any way to update the SD card through the USB port on the printer? (MK3)
You can but it is unusably slow. Specifically Octoprint will let you transfer files to SD. I tried it and it worked, but I only later realized that it took an hour in the background.
and miscellaneous other tech projects
He is intelligent, but not experienced. His pattern indicates two dimensional thinking. -- Spock in Star Trek: The Wrath of Khan
RE: Any way to update the SD card through the USB port on the printer? (MK3)
Please - look into using OctoPrint.
I have not taken my SD card out for anything since I started using OctoPrint. I will never go back.
RE: Any way to update the SD card through the USB port on the printer? (MK3)
When Toshiba FlashAir card is configured, it just works (and is fast) - Have FlashAir for both my Prusa FDM printers and just ordered another FlashAir for my new SL1.
If you have decided on using OctoPrint anyway, try that before investing in a FlashAir.
I avoid using OctoPrint as I like the simpler configuration.
Have a look at my models on Printables.com 😉
RE: Any way to update the SD card through the USB port on the printer? (MK3)
[...] I have not taken my SD card out for anything since I started using OctoPrint. I will never go back.
Agreed. I finally fired up Octoprint on Octopi as a temporary solution when my expensive Toshiba FashAir 16 GB SD card failed. Within minutes I regretted all the lost time and frustration I spent trying to use the card reliably. Octoprint has blown me away. I've done a range of large and small prints with no problems. Other that using a suitable RPi, the entire install was simple. Print times may be a bit slower, but not noticeably so. The capabilities it provides are stunning and have replaced a jumble of other solutions I was implementing.
You do lose power recovery but I only had mixed luck with that feature.
and miscellaneous other tech projects
He is intelligent, but not experienced. His pattern indicates two dimensional thinking. -- Spock in Star Trek: The Wrath of Khan
RE: Any way to update the SD card through the USB port on the printer? (MK3)
Bob - which Pi are you running Octopi on? And did you load the distro from their site or tweak the normal Pi distro? I have a spare Rpi4a-2GB; probably overkill, but it's just sitting there right now.
RE: Any way to update the SD card through the USB port on the printer? (MK3)
Yeah I’m just concerned about pulling apart my printer to get the pi connected and creating a new cover...
RE: Any way to update the SD card through the USB port on the printer? (MK3)
Yeah I’m just concerned about pulling apart my printer to get the pi connected and creating a new cover...
Package your pi as you like. Power it from a wall wart.
The only contact with your printer is the USB cable that plugs in the top of the Einsy box. You don't open anything...
RE: Any way to update the SD card through the USB port on the printer? (MK3)
Bob - which Pi are you running Octopi on? And did you load the distro from their site or tweak the normal Pi distro? I have a spare Rpi4a-2GB; probably overkill, but it's just sitting there right now.
I'm currently running on a RPi 3B (not 3B+). Started out on a 2B and it was fine, but a 3B is about ideal.
I didn't put a lot of thought into the setup. Went to the Octoprint site and followed the links to wind up at OctoPi.
I've got an RPi4 1GB that I may press into service at some point. There are issues with Octoprint on the RPi 4B, but I think they are quickly being resolved. I want to make sure temps and power aren't issues before the swap.
and miscellaneous other tech projects
He is intelligent, but not experienced. His pattern indicates two dimensional thinking. -- Spock in Star Trek: The Wrath of Khan
RE: Any way to update the SD card through the USB port on the printer? (MK3)
Yeah I’m just concerned about pulling apart my printer to get the pi connected and creating a new cover...
Oh, don't worry about that. The suitable RPi models won't fit in the housing, and you can just connect via USB. Unfortunately, the RPi Zero W proved to be underpowered for Octoprint, so the direct connection inside the housing is not really viable. Just tuck it away behind the printer somewhere and power it off a wall adapter.
and miscellaneous other tech projects
He is intelligent, but not experienced. His pattern indicates two dimensional thinking. -- Spock in Star Trek: The Wrath of Khan
RE: Any way to update the SD card through the USB port on the printer? (MK3)
Oh it connects via usb? That’s super easy. Which pi should I get?
RE: Any way to update the SD card through the USB port on the printer? (MK3)
So do I still use the sd card in the printer or does it get everything from the pi?
RE: Any way to update the SD card through the USB port on the printer? (MK3)
Oh it connects via usb? That’s super easy. Which pi should I get?
For pretty every much normal use case - get the Raspberry Pi 3B. It will serve you well.
RE: Any way to update the SD card through the USB port on the printer? (MK3)
+1 for Octopi (RPI3B). For daily prints it's fast, it's convenient, it's upgradable to whatever setup you want to have.
I'm using SD card only for single color prints longer then 24 hours and most of the multi color prints.
Often linked posts:
Going small with MMU2
Real Multi Material
My prints on Instagram
RE: Any way to update the SD card through the USB port on the printer? (MK3)
@nikolai-r
Why use the SD card at all? If I have the PI setup, do I still need a card in the printer? It will complain if not right?
RE: Any way to update the SD card through the USB port on the printer? (MK3)
a number of features like power panic do not work if printing via usb
I try to make safe suggestions,You should understand the context and ensure you are happy that they are safe before attempting to apply my suggestions, what you do, is YOUR responsibility. Location Halifax UK
RE: Any way to update the SD card through the USB port on the printer? (MK3)
Thanks for all the advice! Much appreciated.
RE: Any way to update the SD card through the USB port on the printer? (MK3)
You can still leave the card in the printer if you print via Octoprint. Printer doesn't care.
The reason for still printing from SD are more/easy control options in case of any issues through the menu. And because of power panic like Joan mentioned.
Often linked posts:
Going small with MMU2
Real Multi Material
My prints on Instagram